2023 Aviator Stalling / Sputtering on acceleration while turning?

[Big Lebowski]

Anyone else experience this?

If I come to a complete stop approaching a busy road, then accelerate out while turning 90 degree across traffic (left or right, but usually left) 4 lanes of traffic (2 NB / 2 SB), my Aviator will sometimes stall / or sputter...completely loses power for a split second. With oncoming traffic this is a little scary.

After a brief pause, it'll catch and resume accelerating out but my heart takes a minute to settle down.

It does not happen all the time, but maybe 1 out of 10 times. Often enough that I've had it into the dealership 3 or 4 times now. They can never repeat it so they claim nothing is wrong. The asked about the Auto STart / stop, but thats not it as I turn that off everytime in "Excite" mode. They also asked was I maybe coming off the gas, because the power surprised me, and I laughed as my other car is a Z06 with considerably more horsepower and I've never experienced this lag with that car.

Mostly in the AM, when the car is cooler, but not always. Mostly turning left, but not always.

My instincts suggest something with the fuel system...because it feels like the engine dies momentarily...than catches. Years ago, my parents had a Suburban that did something similiar if the tank was below a quarter tank and THAT was a fuel pump issue.

Wtih all the recalls, and now this, I'm actually in a place where I'm considering dumping the car...which is a shame because as a whole I really like.

TYIA

 

[bbf2530]

Anyone else experience this?

If I come to a complete stop approaching a busy road, then accelerate out while turning 90 degree across traffic (left or right, but usually left) 4 lanes of traffic (2 NB / 2 SB), my Aviator will sometimes stall / or sputter...completely loses power for a split second. With oncoming traffic this is a little scary.

After a brief pause, it'll catch and resume accelerating out but my heart takes a minute to settle down.

It does not happen all the time, but maybe 1 out of 10 times. Often enough that I've had it into the dealership 3 or 4 times now. They can never repeat it so they claim nothing is wrong. The asked about the Auto STart / stop, but thats not it as I turn that off everytime in "Excite" mode. They also asked was I maybe coming off the gas, because the power surprised me, and I laughed as my other car is a Z06 with considerably more horsepower and I've never experienced this lag with that car.

Mostly in the AM, when the car is cooler, but not always. Mostly turning left, but not always.

My instincts suggest something with the fuel system...because it feels like the engine dies momentarily...than catches. Years ago, my parents had a Suburban that did something similiar if the tank was below a quarter tank and THAT was a fuel pump issue.

Wtih all the recalls, and now this, I'm actually in a place where I'm considering dumping the car...which is a shame because as a whole I really like.

TYIA

Hi BL. This is most likely not it, but just another thought: If the tires break traction (very possible with a heavy acceleration, 90° turn from a stop), the Traction Control and/or the ESC/Stability Control systems may step in. This would momentarily be felt as a cut in power. In fact, the break in traction could be sensed by the system, even if it is imperceptible to the driver.

As stated, I’m not saying that is it. In fact, it likely is not. However, just that it would be a possibility, considering the limited information we have.

You could try turning off the Traction Control system at each startup to see if it helps. ESC can not be turned off via regular vehicle controls.

I’m sure others will also jump in to help, so keep us updated and good luck.

 

[Big Lebowski]

Hi BL. This is most likely not it, but just another thought: If the tires break traction (very possible with a heavy acceleration, 90° turn from a stop), the Traction Control and/or the ESC/Stability Control systems may step in. This would momentarily be felt as a cut in power. In fact, the break in traction could be sensed by the system, even if it is imperceptible to the driver.

As stated, I’m not saying that is it. In fact, it likely is not. However, just that it would be a possibility, considering the limited information we have.

You could try turning off the Traction Control system at each startup to see if it helps. ESC can not be turned off via regular vehicle controls.

I’m sure others will also jump in to help, so keep us updated and good luck.

That’s an interesting theory…I wouldn’t say “heavy acceleration” but you might be onto something. I’ll need to peak at the dashboard when this happens again and see if I’m getting a traction control light on the Dash. Thx

 

[Big Lebowski]

If the tires break traction (very possible with a heavy acceleration, 90° turn from a stop), the Traction Control and/or the ESC/Stability Control systems may step in. This would momentarily be felt as a cut in power. In fact, the break in traction could be sensed by the system, even if it is imperceptible to the driver.

Dealership is returning the vehicle, can not duplicate the "stall". Frustrating because its intermittent. I even asked them about the possiblity of this being the traction control and the tech said highly unlikely with AWD. Sigh.

______________________________

 

[bbf2530]

Dealership is returning the vehicle, can not duplicate the "stall". Frustrating because its intermittent. I even asked them about the possiblity of this being the traction control and the tech said highly unlikely with AWD. Sigh.

Hi BL. If you haven’t already done so: On future service visits like this, ask the Service Advisor to take a ride with you (or to send someone else) when you bring in your vehicle. In this way, you can drive the vehicle and better attempt to duplicate the conditions for them to see/experience.

The reason for doing this is simple. It is difficult for a Tech to duplicate the same conditions as we describe to the Service Advisor.
It’s like playing “Telephone”. The information gets diluted every time it goes from one person to the next. And even if the Service Advisor perfectly notes everything you said, there is no guarantee the Tech will drive your vehicle in the exact same way, or even a similar way, as how you are driving when the problem occurs. So that is one way we wind up with a “Could not duplicate” situation.

And in a case like this, the throttle position, degree/distance/duration of the turn etc. are all very important. On the other hand, if you physically demonstrate it to someone, you can drive the car in exactly the manner you need, in order to have the best chance of duplicating the behavior. And if the Service Advisor or Tech witnesses it, then you can avoid the dreaded “Could not duplicate” diagnosis.

In addition, try to determine if this occurs in particular conditions, such as a low traction due to water, sand, salt on the road. For example, you mentioned it most often happens when the vehicle is cold. So that also means cold tires and less traction could be a contributing factor.

Again, it is likely not the Traction Control system, but even with AWD, the Traction Control/ESC system can cut power. So it shouldn’t be ruled out (even as a “contributing factor), when they haven’t even been able to duplicate the behavior yet. Therefore, physically demonstrating the issue to the Service Advisor or Tech is usually the best course of action. And that advice applies to most service visits. Try to demonstrate the issue, instead of just describing it to the Service Advisor.

I’m sure others will also jump in to help, so keep us updated and good luck.

EDIT- Also, I am not there to experience the problem either, so want to make it clear that I also realize the Tech could be 100% correct.

 

[Big Lebowski]

Hi BL. If you haven’t already done so: On future service visits like this, ask the Service Advisor to take a ride with you (or to send someone else) when you bring in your vehicle. In this way, you can drive the vehicle and better attempt to duplicate the conditions for them to see/experience.

Thanks BBF, and if I take it in again, I will do that.